Dead Kennedys “In God We Trust, Inc.” 1981. Alternative Tentacles. It’s just shy of the 35th anniversary of this EP’s release and it is both comforting and terrifying that most of its content is still very relevant. “Religious Vomit” and “Moral Majority” decry the sometimes over-reaching influence of organized religion on society, pointing out the hypocrisy of the religious right. “Hyperactive Child,” which today could be renamed ADHD child, calls out the over-medicating of school-age kids. “Kepone Factory” discusses the harm manufactured chemicals have on workers’ health and the environment. “Nazi Punks Fuck Off” points out that societal divides based on hate does nothing but strengthen a ruling class. “We’ve Got a Bigger Problem Now” (which is a revamped version of the classic DK track “California Über Alles”) could not be more timely, just substitute a name here or there and the song rings eerily current. Thank goodness for the EP’s closing track, “Rawhide,” a punk remake of the 1958 classic originally recorded by Frankie Laine and used as the theme song for the TV series; the song adds a much-needed lighthearted end to an awesome yet scary classic punk release.

Lyrics for “We’ve Got a Bigger Problem Now”

I am Emperor Ronald Reagan
Born again with fascist cravings
Still, you make me president

Human rights will soon go ‘way
I am now your Shah today
Now I command all of you
Now your gonna pray in school
I’ll make sure they’re christian too

California Uber Alles
Uber Alles California

Ku Klux Klan will control you
Still you think it’s natural
N***er knockin for the master race
Still you wear a happy face

Welcome to 1984
Are you ready for the Third World War?!?
You too will meet the secret police
They’ll draft you and they’ll jail your niece

You’ll go quietly to boot camp
They’ll shoot you dead, make you a man
Don’t worry, it’s for a cause
Feeding global corporations’ claws

Die on a brand new poison gas
El Salvador or Afghanistan
Making money for President Reagan
And all the friends of President Reagan